(800) 853-2651
SHOP NOW

Behlen Power Steering Question

R

Ron in Nebr

Member
On my 450 gasser, according to the operators manual I got off this site, it says that the power steering is part of the hydrotouch system and uses that oil.

On mine, it looks like it's a separate system, with a pump between the distributor and the regular live hydraulic pump. Pressure line from there goes to the torque motor on the steering shaft, then a return line from the torque motor goes to a rectangular tank at the right rear of the engine, and a return line from there goes back to the pump.

A few questions- there's a square head plug not quite halfway up the tank- is that supposed to be the oil level plug?

Also, the power steering's gotten progressively worse in the last few months. Is there a screen in one of the fittings on the torque motor or someplace else that may need cleaned?

Finally, it acts like there's alot of air in the system. What's the best way to bleed these?

Thanks!
 
The square headed plug on the right side of the tank, on my 400 is the filler opening and it has a dipstick attached to it. If the fluid level is to low, you may have air in your P.S. system. To bleed, you first fill the hydraulics with Hytran and then I think you turn the steering all the way to the left and then back to the right a few times.
Not positive though.
SDE
 
Thanks for the response. I didn't pull that plug on the side, just added more hyd oil through the cap on the top. Probably way over full now.

That plug goes in horizontally- it has a dipstick on it??

I did raise the front wheels off the ground with the loader and turned them side to side several times, basically followed the same procedure we used to use bleeding automotive power steering systems, but it didn't help much.

Read somewhere on here in the archives about cracking loose a hose up by the torque motor, but I tried that too and it also didn't help much.
 
On a 450,the pump ('mag' pump)you describe is the main hydralic pump.It uses a 'divirter' valve to direct the oil to either steering or Hydra touch.The divirter is located back on the valve body/stack.
 
From the description you may have the self contained behlen PS system. Is the tank mounted opposite the air cleaner. If so it's not a regular 450 item.
Plug in the side of tank oil level would be enough oil. Need to start by checking the pump pressure if this is the system. Inlet and outlet lines of the pump are to the top?
 
Does your powersteering pump look like this? This picture is of a Behlen pump mounted on a H or M tractor, but could be used on any tractor. On a system like this air will bleed it self with use. I'm guessing that the oil level is low so the pump is sucking some air. Check the suction hose connection, air is getting in someplace.
a157976.jpg
 
Yes. the tank is opposite air cleaner, and the lines do go in the top of the pump. I guess I need to round up a pressure gauge and check pressure. Are there rebuild kits available for the pump?

As to the post below, since there's clearly two separate pumps stacked in front of the distributor I don't think the power steering is part of the hydratouch system, unless there's ports inside the pumps themselves where oil flows between the two.

This looks like an added-on PS system- the torque motor is braced with an angle-iron bracket to one of the head studs, and a couple other braces that run from the sides of it back down to the steering support are just strap iron, doesn't look factory.
 
Yep, that's the pump I have, and there's a live hydraulic pump with the two hard lines coming out of the bottom of it in front of it.

Wish I had that 90-degree distributor adaptor too, since with the two pumps my horizontal distributor has the cap so close to the oil filter case that I have to pull the plug wires just to get the cap off.
 
Go to the Vintage Ads link on the left side, and do a search for zooeyhall. A couple years back I scanned and posted the Behlen parts and repair manual for these units. It is available under the above link.
 
Okay, that's a really good pick, Charlieu, but is it possible to run the conventional 450 pump for the hydra-touch PLUS the pump pictured, so that you don't have to deal with the priority valve that is such a weak point in this system? Thanks.
 
Yes it's possible Hugh, that's the way my tractor is set up. Only real downside to that setup(if everything works) is that the distributor cap is VERY close to the oil filter housing, probably two fingers width or less between the cap and oil filter with the plug wires removed, and it's right behind the two hard lines for the factory live hydraulics to boot. A real booger to pull the cap for any normal maintenance.
 
Worse comes to worst, you could always go with the belt-driven Charlynn style setup for the power steering pump.

That would kill two birds with one stone, and at least you could conveniently service the distributor. Actually three birds, as it would relieve some of the stress on the cam gear train. One pump is about all you really want to put there.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

M
  • Question
Ford 6600 power steering lines
Replies
1
Views
150
Destroked 450
Destroked 450
K
Massey Ferguson 20C steering issues
Replies
0
Views
93
KJB1053
K
M
puma 195 steering return line removal
Replies
3
Views
273
jean claude marleau
J
P
350 U. Rethinking the 1 way power steering
Replies
3
Views
297
Janicholson
Janicholson
T
power steering pressure relief on 135 continental engine
Replies
1
Views
178
Stan Coryell
S
Tractor Parts Tractor Manuals

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today.

Copyright © 1997-2024 Yesterday's Tractor Co.

All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of any part of this website, including design and content, without written permission is strictly prohibited. Trade Marks and Trade Names contained and used in this Website are those of others, and are used in this Website in a descriptive sense to refer to the products of others. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy TRADEMARK DISCLAIMER: Tradenames and Trademarks referred to within Yesterday's Tractor Co. products and within the Yesterday's Tractor Co. websites are the property of their respective trademark holders. None of these trademark holders are affiliated with Yesterday's Tractor Co., our products, or our website nor are we sponsored by them. John Deere and its logos are the registered trademarks of the John Deere Corporation. Agco, Agco Allis, White, Massey Ferguson and their logos are the registered trademarks of AGCO Corporation. Case, Case-IH, Farmall, International Harvester, New Holland and their logos are registered trademarks of CNH Global N.V.

Yesterday's Tractors - Antique Tractor Headquarters
Website Accessibility Policy

Back
Top